The Latest: Trump welcomes Paul's return to Washington

Rene Boucher, center, appears in court for an arraignment hearing with his attorney Matt Baker, left, on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at the Warren County Justice Center in Bowling Green, Ky. Boucher pleaded not guilty to charges that he assaulted his neighbor, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul. Boucher and Paul have been neighbors for 17 years in a gated community. (Austin Anthony/Daily News via AP)

President Donald Trump is welcoming Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul’s return to the Senate following the attack in the senator’s yard that left him with six broken ribs.

Trump is tweeting from the Philippines, “Great to see @RandPaul looking well and back on the Senate floor.” Trump says on the final day of his lengthy trip to Asia that Paul will “help us with TAX CUTS and REFORM!”

The Republican senator cast votes on Monday and was greeted by Senate colleagues. He declined to answer reporters’ questions about the assault.

Paul was attacked Nov. 3 while mowing his lawn at his home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Police have charged Paul’s neighbour with misdemeanour assault in the incident.

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6 p.m.

Sen. Rand Paul has returned to Capitol Hill following an attack at his Kentucky home that left him with six broken ribs.

Paul entered the chamber, hands by his sides, to cast a vote Monday night. He chatted briefly with other senators, including Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii.

Paul was attacked Nov. 3 while mowing his lawn, authorities said. Robert Porter, Paul’s close friend of 20 years, said the senator had gotten off his riding lawn mower when he was tackled from behind. Porter said Paul was wearing ear protection, so he did not hear the attack coming.

Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul said Monday he is returning to Washington following an attack in his yard that left him with six broken ribs.

“While I’m still in a good deal of pain, I will be returning to work in the Senate today, ready to fight for liberty and help move forward with tax cuts in the coming days and weeks,” Paul posted on his Twitter account.

Paul was attacked Nov. 3 while mowing his lawn, authorities said. Robert Porter, Paul’s close friend of 20 years, said the senator had gotten off his riding lawn mower to remove a limb when he was tackled from behind. Porter said Paul was wearing ear protection, so he did not hear the attack coming.